Guinea pig bedding
The Best Guinea Pig Bedding in Australia: Fleece vs Paper vs Hemp
Sep
Short answer: for most indoor C&C cages, a 3-layer fleece liner is the best all-rounder. It is reusable, dust-free and soft, and cheaper over time. If you prefer throw-away bedding, choose a dust-free paper bedding. Avoid sawdust, dusty wood shavings and straw as the main bedding; the RSPCA warns these can cause breathing problems and injuries.
RSPCA Victoria recommends at least 5 cm of soft, non-toxic, dust-free, absorbent bedding. Good options include fleece fabric, soft grass hay and shredded or recycled paper.
Guinea pig bedding compared
| Bedding | Dust | Smell control | Cleaning | Ongoing cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fleece cage liner (3-layer) | None | Good if changed every 2–4 days | Daily spot clean; machine wash | Low. Buy once, reuse for years | Indoor C&C cages, less waste |
| Paper bedding | Very low | Very good | Scoop daily, full change weekly | Medium. Buy regularly | Litter areas, no washing routine |
| Hemp bedding | Low | Very good | Scoop daily, full change weekly | Medium | Eco-minded owners; good under hay |
| Wood shavings | Can be dusty | Good | Full change weekly | Low | Not recommended as main bedding (RSPCA Victoria) |
| Straw | Low | Poor (doesn’t absorb) | – | Low | Avoid. Doesn’t absorb urine, and hard stalks can cause injuries |
| Hay | Low | Poor on its own | – | – | Eating and nesting on top of other bedding, not as the base |
Why most C&C owners switch to fleece
- No dust, which is better for sensitive airways (yours and theirs).
- Less waste. No bags of bedding to lug home and bin every week.
- Soft and warm underfoot, with no loose bits kicked out of the cage.
- It fits properly. Our Australian-made liners are cut to your C&C size with a 3-layer absorbent core that pulls wee away from the surface.
The honest downside: fleece needs a washing routine. Most owners keep two or three liners and rotate them.
How to set up fleece bedding
- Lay the liner over the Corflute base, fleece side up.
- Add a kitchenette or a litter area with paper bedding under the hay. Guinea pigs toilet where they eat, so this cuts washing a lot.
- Put drip pads under water bottles.
- Add beds, hides and cuddle mats for comfort.
Washing routine
- Daily: brush or vacuum droppings and hay off the fleece.
- Every 2–4 days (depending on herd size): swap in a clean liner.
- Washing: shake off debris outside, then wash warm with a mild, unscented detergent. No fabric softener, as it stops fleece absorbing. Line dry or tumble dry low.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best bedding for guinea pigs?
For indoor C&C cages, fleece liners. They are dust-free, reusable and comfortable. Paper bedding is the best disposable option.
Are wood shavings safe for guinea pigs?
RSPCA Victoria advises against sawdust and wood shavings because they can cause breathing problems. Choose fleece or paper instead.
How often should I change guinea pig bedding?
Spot-clean daily and do a full change at least weekly. The RSPCA also recommends cleaning the enclosure 2–3 times a week.
Can I use fleece for rabbits?
Only if your rabbit doesn’t chew fabric. Many do, so see our indoor rabbit setup guide for safer flooring.
Is fleece bedding cheaper?
Over time, yes. A liner costs more up front but replaces months of disposable bedding.
Sources: RSPCA Victoria – Housing for guinea pigs; RSPCA Knowledgebase – Where should I keep my guinea pigs?.
